Jerry Gaul

Philly.com

The IronPigs split a doubleheader with the Syracuse Chiefs at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y.

In game one, the IronPigs nearly squandered a seven-run lead, but held on for a 7-6 win.

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Third baseman Maikel Franco (2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBI) and first baseman Darin Ruf (2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI) powered the offense.

Right-handed starter Jason Marquis (1-0, 2.22 ERA) held the Chiefs scoreless for six innings, but couldn't finish off the game. Marquis was charged with five runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings for the win.

Righty B.J. Rosenberg allowed another run, but got the final two outs and earned a save.

The IronPigs fell in the second game, 6-4.

Left-handed starter Greg Smith (7-7, 4.12 ERA) was rocked for six runs (five earned) on nine hits and two walks in four innings.

Franco went 1-for-3 and added an RBI in the loss for a 3-for-7 day.

The IronPigs (49-53) will host the Buffalo Bisons for a two-game series. Righty David Buchanan (5-1, 3.98 ERA) is slated to start the opener on Monday.

Reading Fightin Phils – Double A

The Fightin Phils blew a three-run lead and lost to the New Britain Rock Cats, 6-5, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa.

Third baseman Jake Fox blasted a two-run home run in the first inning to give his team an early lead. It was Fox's team-leading 10th homer of season in just 34 games with the Fightin Phils.

Left-handed starter Adam Loewen was figured out in the seventh after six scoreless. He was removed with two outs in the seventh after surrendering four runs (three earned) in the frame. Loewen struck out seven, walked one and plunked one.

Trailing 5-3 in the eighth, right fielder Kelly Dugan delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single to tie the game.

Righty Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez (0-1, 1.80 ERA) struck out two in the ninth, but served up a solo home run, which proved to be the game-winner.

The Fightin Phils (41-57) will now travel for a three-game set with the Erie SeaWolves. Southpaw Hoby Milner (5-5, 4.60 ERA) toes the rubber in the opener on Monday.

Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced

A dominant performance from right-handed starter Mark Leiter lifted the Threshers to a 5-0 victory over the Charlotte Stone Crabs at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla.

Leiter (2-1, 3.46 ERA) gave up only five hits and struck out eight in a complete-game shutout.

A pair of three-hit games fueled the offense: shortstop J.P. Crawford (3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI) and first baseman Chris Serritella (3-for-4 with a triple, a double and two runs scored).

Right fielder Brian Pointer went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, two RBI and a strikeout.

The Threshers (12-17 in second half, 29-68 overall) will send righty Jordan Guth (1-3, 2.58 ERA) to the mound as the series continues on Monday.

Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A

The BlueClaws were edged by the Kannapolis Intimidators, 7-6, at CMC-NorthEast Stadium in Kannapolis, N.C.

Right-handed starter Tyler Viza managed to avoid adding to his league-leading 13 losses on the season. Viza allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits over five innings.

The pitching staff let down the offense as the BlueClaws had leads of 3-1 and 6-3 on 12 hits in the game.

Four BlueClaws had multi-hit games: center fielder Carlos Tocci (2-for-5 with a triple), second baseman Andrew Pullin (2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI), right fielder Dylan Cozens (2-for-3 with two runs scored, a walk and an RBI) and designated hitter Willians Astudillo (2-for-4 with a double).

The BlueClaws (11-20 in second half, 38-62 overall) turn to lefty Yoel Mecias (1-0, 0.00 ERA) in the series finale on Monday.

Williamsport Crosscutters – Class A-Short Season

The Crosscutters were blanked by the Brooklyn Cyclones, 6-0, at MCU Park in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The offense was held to only two hits in the loss, recorded by left fielder Jiandido Tromp (1-for-2 with a double) and center fielder Aaron Brown (1-for-3).

Right-handed starter Ricardo Pinto (0-2, 3.09 ERA) was stuck with the loss. He gave up five runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk in three innings.

Williamsport also made five errors in the loss. Tromp and shortstop Emmanuel Merrero were each charged with a pair.

The Crosscutters (18-18) will try to avoid a series sweep. A starting pitcher has not been announced yet.